Leading trainer Chris Waller is confident wet weather specialist Royal Descent is more than a chance in this weekend’s major Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on day 2 of The Championships at Royal Randwick.
Trainer Chris Waller is confident in the chances of Royal Descent in this weekend's Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart
Hampered early and blocked for a run, Royal Descent showed her class when unlucky to finish second behind stable mate Sacred Falls in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) last weekend; something Waller told TVN will only add to her cause when lining up this Saturday.
“I think most Doncasters she probably wins” Waller said.
“She had to do so much work and was exposed very early, yet still ran a huge race to run second to a horse like Sacred Falls.”
A resounding ten length winner of the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) one year ago this weekend, Waller said the Redoute’s Choice mare will return to the paddock after this weekend’s preparation target ahead of only her second Spring Racing Carnival.
“She’ll get her chance on Saturday then go for a break and come back probably an even better horse in the spring” Waller said.
Securing an impressive total of four wins and six places from 15 race starts to date, Royal Descent debuted with back-to-back victories in December 2012, also claiming the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) on her way to Oaks glory.
While unable to return to the winner’s circle over five races in spring, the four-year-old was unlucky to finish second to Streama in the Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m) on September 21st, ending her season fifth in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).
Unlucky when blocked for a run in the Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) first-up this season, Royal Descent was impressive when overcoming a heavy weight to flash home wide and finish fifth in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) prior to the Doncaster Mile.
Required to carry a race-low weight of just 57kgs this weekend, Royal Descent is currently tied on the fourth line of betting with talented miler Boban for success in the 2014 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at a generous quote of $8.50.
Unlucky to finish second in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) last time out, Her Majesty The Queen-owned Carlton House is currently outright favourite to claim the 2014 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at $3.50 odds, ahead of Ranvet champion Silent Achiever ($4.60) and four time Group 1 Champion It’s A Dundeel ($5).
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